Mahmudullah Riyad was dropped from the Bangladesh ODI team after the England series. The selectors then announced that Riyad had been rested. But he was not in the team for three consecutive series, not even in the Asia Cup team. There is discussion and criticism about Riyad's absence. Former captain Khaled Mashud Pilot also opened his mouth about this.

Even after the England series, it was predicted that Riyad's future is going to face more struggles. But none of those who were taken in the squad instead of Riyad could do anything special. Riyad had accumulated 347 runs in the last 10 innings before being dropped. Average was 43.37 and Strike-rate was 77.70.

And Afif Hossain, who got a chance to replace him, could not show good performance. Besides, Shamim Hossain has not yet made his ODI debut. Even though Mahedi Hasan made his debut, he scored only 24 runs in three innings. Mahedi's irresponsible batting was also seen in the Emerging Asia Cup.

So Pilot felt that Riyad deserved to be in the team more than those in the current squad. Pilot toldto BDCricTime, "I felt it was natural to have Mahmudullah in the team. Such a senior player... such a long career... if someone had played exceptionally well in his place, I would have said Mahmudullah should go.

"The young team is definitely good but maturity is needed. No one has the same performance as Mahmudullah. Yes, you have a future of course, but after the World Cup you could have gone to the future. After the World Cup, Asia Cup, think about the next World Cup."

"I think there is a big gap. The players were being prepared by giving Mahmudullah a break and rest. If for any reason the players in that position can adapt, Mahmudullah should be dropped like that."

The former wicket-keeper also said that an experienced player like Riyad could have been given more respect, "A player has been playing cricket for so long. He is in a position where he will get a chance or not. I think he could have played this World Cup and then say you are retired. We want to honor you. Maybe he will play a match. This could happen.”